The 5 Must-See Viewpoints of São Miguel, Azores

If you’re a nature lover and an adventurer at heart, then São Miguel, Azores, is a destination that should be at the top of your travel bucket list. This stunning island offers a captivating blend of volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and pristine coastlines, and the best way to experience it all is by visiting its incredible viewpoints. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey to the top 5 viewpoints on São Miguel, along with some essential information to make your trip unforgettable. So are the Azore Islands worth visiting you may ask. The short answer is YES! Continue reading to find out why.

Before venturing on your own adventure, if you plan to use the public transport, we recommend checking out the bus schedules following this link here!

Here we provide you with suggested hikes that we ourselves did while exploring São Miguel, Azores. 

Nice to Know

The trail to Pico das Camarinhas offers more than just stunning views. It’s a walk through geological history and the alignment of three craters, giving you a glimpse into the island’s volcanic past. Interestingly, the way towards Pico das Camarinhas from Ponta da Ferraria begins near Ilha Sabrina, a short-lived island formed by a volcanic eruption in 1811, known for its vulnerability to wave erosion. Once at Pico das Camarinhas, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Ginetes village and Ponta da Ferraria, featuring a distinctive alignment of the three craters. The trail from Pico das Camarinhas concludes near the craters and a natural thermal swimming pool with temperatures exceeding 30°C during low tide.

How to Get There

You can reach Pico das Camarinhas by hiking from Mosteiros, just like we did, or if you have a car, there’s a convenient parking lot near the trailhead. The hike from the parking lot is slightly hidden by the bushes and trees at the entrance, but will takes you through a dense forest to a slightly challenging climb, making the ascend a rewarding adventure.

Make sure to check out the blog post about the trail from Mosteiros to Termas da Ferraria here (map included)!

When to Visit

Any time is a good time to visit, but the views are most striking on clear, sunny days. Even if it’s raining and slightly foggy, you might capture some of the most dramatic and moody photos. Plus, this viewpoint faces west, promising unforgettable sunsets on clear days.

Nice to Know

The park at Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego is not just a place to take in breathtaking views; it’s also a garden haven with many stray can approach you for a bit of food. During the summer, the park comes alive with the vibrant blue of blooming Hortensia flowers. Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, where the sun rises first on São Miguel, is a must-see viewpoint steeped in history and natural beauty. It was opened in 1995 by Dr. Eugenio Leal, the regional secretary for tourism and the environment at the time. The park surrounding the viewpoint is a scenic spot, with endemic vegetation, vibrant Hortensians in summer, and a community of stray cats. Therefore, a visit here offers a holistic experience, weaving together nature, history, and… cats.

How to Get There

If you’re traveling from Nordeste to Povoação along the east coast of São Miguel, you’ll find this viewpoint just 6 kilometers from Nordeste. We recommend staying in Nordeste to truly explore this remarkable region without too much driving. To reach the captivating Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, you’ll embark on a scenic journey along São Miguel’s eastern coast. Interestingly, the locals refer to this area as ‘the tenth island of the Azores’ due to its remarkable natural beauty and secluded location.

If you’re staying in Ponta Delgada, the capital city, you can opt for an organized guided tour to streamline your experience, just like we did. These tours not only take care of logistics but also introduce you to the hidden gems of the region. For those seeking even more breathtaking sights, nearby attractions like Ribeira dos Caldeirões and Nordeste are just a short drive away. Whether you opt for an organized tour, a scenic drive, or an extended stay in Nordeste, reaching Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego promises unmatched landscapes of São Miguel.

When to Visit

While the allure of this viewpoint is undeniable at any time, we highly recommend catching the sunrise. Being where the sun graces São Miguel first might be a magical experience.

Nice to Know

Miradouro da Vista dos Barcos is a viewpoint that goes beyond its stunning views of Farol do Arnel lighthouse. The lighthouse, which began operating in 1876, holds historical significance as the first lighthouse in the Azores. There are lighthouse keepers with 24-hour shifts to safeguard the proper functioning of the maritime signage and coastal security. The lighthouse features a 3rd Order Fresnel Lens with a light range of 35 nautical km, guiding vessels through Azorean waters.

How to Get There

You can reach this viewpoint by car, join a guided tour, or take a hike from nearby towns, such as Nordeste or the Special Protection Zone of Pico da Vara and Ribeira do Guilherme. Though we haven’t had the time to hike to Pico da Vara, the highest mountain on São Miguel in this protection zone, it is a hike we would be looking for when we return to the island.

When to Visit

While you can visit at any time, witnessing a sunrise from this viewpoint could be a truly picturesque experience.

Nice to Know

The Relva Viewpoint is not just about the spectacular views. It’s a perfect spot for whale and dolphin enthusiasts, as it’s often visited by marine biologists and the team from Futurismo, a tour agency offering safaris to see these magnificent animals. As you stand here, you will admire the South Coast of the island. The viewpoint is accessible by car and public transport, but if you’re up for further exploration, consider visiting Rocha do Cascalho, a hidden gem not prominently featured on Google Maps but absolutely worth the effort. We discovered this site during our hike , and it provides a breathtaking view of the rugged rocks and cliffs along the Rocha da Relva trail, offering insights into the geological history of the island.

How to Get There

You can catch a bus to Relva and enjoy a 20-30 minute walk to the whalewatching viewpoint near Relva. Alternatively, there is a parking lot for those with their own transportation. If you’re up for an extra adventure, don’t miss Rocha do Cascalho, a hidden gem that offers a different perspective of the cliffs formed over the years. The initial section of the path leading to it is cemented and designed with pebbles to accommodate donkeys and horses, which are used to transport goods to Rocha da Relva. Along this path, you’ll encounter a pattern of Alminhas da Rocha, a tradition dating back to the 17th century, which encourages passersby to offer prayers and donations.

As you venture further, the path splits into two branches. Heading to the right leads you to the most commonly followed trail of Rocha da Relva, while the left takes you to Rocha do Cascalho. Both routes offer distinct views and experiences. Rocha do Cascalho provides an opportunity to descend closer to the ocean. During our visit, we were pleasantly surprised by a charming garden adorned with creatively crafted scarecrow dolls. The area is also populated by friendly cats, so be cautious if you bring lunch, as they are sure to be curious. Despite the cats, there are bench, tables, shade, and sometimes a fisherman that makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and a picnic.

Make sure to check out the blog post about the Rocha da Relva trail here (map included)!

When to Visit

The viewpoint is accessible year-round, offering breathtaking views in clear weather.

Nice to Know

This viewpoint boasts stunning views of Mosteiros, a charming fishing village and the Mosteiros Islets, rich in local legends. Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado, located on the western side of São Miguel, provides a visual feast for the senses.

The Mosteiros Islets, or Ilhéus dos Mosteiros, have a captivating legend associated with their name. According to local folklore, the islets were named after two monks, hence the name “Mosteiros,” which means “monasteries” in Portuguese. The legend goes that two monks from a nearby monastery decided to embark on a mission of great importance. These monks set out to visit a remote hermitage located on one of the islets. However, during their journey, a fierce storm suddenly swept through the area, making it impossible for them to return to the mainland. Trapped on the islets, the monks were forced to endure the harsh elements and isolation. As the story goes, the monks managed to survive by catching fish and using the resources available on the islets. They prayed for their rescue and the safety of their fellow monks back at the monastery. Miraculously, after some time, a passing ship spotted the monks. They were rescued and returned to the safety of the mainland.

How to Get There

You can drive to the Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado or join a tour. If you’re an avid hiker, it’s accessible via a hiking trail. The hike is relatively easy and provides a serene walk with beautiful views along the way.

Read more about the hike here (map included)!

When to Visit

Anytime is perfect, but make sure you choose a day with clear weather to fully appreciate the majestic Mosteiros Islets. 

If you’ve made this far, you’re in for a special treat – a bonus viewpoint that’s equally as remarkable as the ones we’ve explored earlier.

Nice to Know

Sete Cidades Lakes are not only stunning but also steeped in legend. The viewpoint offers a glimpse of unique volcanic craters, making the landscape exceptionally unique. Miradouro do Castelo Branco offers a breathtaking view of the iconic Sete Cidades lakes, but not far from there you can also see the vast Atlantic Ocean too. According to Azorean legend, the Sete Cidades lakes were formed from the tears of a forbidden love between a princess and a shepherd. The story narrates the tragic romance that led to the creation of two distinct lakes, one blue like the princess’s eyes and the other green like the shepherd’s eyes. This legend adds a layer of romance and mystique to the already captivating landscape, making the Sete Cidades lakes a must-see destination for both nature enthusiasts and lovers of folklore.

How to Get There

You can hike to Miradouro do Castelo Branco or opt for buggy and jeep tours organized by locals for a more comfortable ride. If you’re up for a challenging hike, don’t forget to explore Miradouro da Boca do Inferno.

Read more about the hike here (map included)!

When to Visit

We recommend praying for sunny or at least non-foggy weather to truly appreciate the breathtaking views of Sete Cidades Lakes.

São Miguel’s viewpoints are nature’s gift to the curious traveler and hikers. From rugged cliffs to serene lakes, each viewpoint offers a unique perspective on the island’s natural wonders. Pack your sense of adventure, embrace the Azorean spirit, and let São Miguel reveal its breathtaking beauty. Enjoy your exploration!